Saturn Just got a Sega Saturn! First time ownership thread.

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

This has been in the works for months here, but I finally got a Sega Saturn! After getting into the Dreamcast late last year, I fell more and more into two key rabbit holes: Importing cheaper JP stock and Sega Saturn. While I feel very bad now that I know how much importing has done damage to the retro game scene over in Japan, I still concede to it being a way of life for many a western gamer, thanks to the lower prices on JP stock over US resells, thanks to the US's policy of "destroy the old stock that won't have a market". Not to mention, while the Saturn is INFAMOUSLY expensive, I could actually find and name a number of titles I wanted to play that went for very cheap on the system, and the hardware sounded much more reliable than the Dreamcast which had given me so many struggles over the couple months of owning it. While still collecting and pouring love into my Dreamcast, I bit the bullet on a model 2 Japanese Sega Saturn that I found on JDirectItems Flea Market. The system had been restored to nice white (some aging couldn't be fixed, but it looks better than most consoles out there), had been FRAM modded, and was supposedly blown down with air and dusted off. I also snatched up some cheap, iconic titles that I knew I wanted to play. Yesterday, the console arrived at my apartment, and while I didn't have much time to play that night, I was able to finally fulfill my dreams of Saturn.

Post automatically merged: Feb 21, 2025

 

[Ezri_Muldoon]

Put in some fresh CR 2032 Batteries in there, the memory for save files is internal and a fresh set of batteries should last 3-4 years ^_^
That will save you some frustration.

After that maybe look into Psudo Saturn Kai so you can easily read burnt discs and enjoy all the fan translations!

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

The system arrived with a few minor issues. The power button was misaligned inside the case, and would get stuck in the on position at first. Far scarier was that the CD-Rom drive seemed to not be getting power at first (Scary!)

In reality, the issue was the system acclimatizing to its new home, which it did later in the evening, and soon enough I was playing some VF2! I also picked up an Action Replay (seen above) and a US game, as I want to try and get some games from all regions if possible. It's such an exciting time! I love my Saturn, and I'm glad I did so much research on the system before diving in!

Post automatically merged: Feb 21, 2025

Put in some fresh CR 2032 Batteries in there, the memory for save files is internal and a fresh set of batteries should last 3-4 years ^_^
That will save you some frustration.

After that maybe look into Psudo Saturn Kai so you can easily read burnt discs and enjoy all the fan translations!

Been thinking about Pseudo Saturn Kai for that very reason! I want to play the fruits of many people's labor over on the Repo!

As for the batts, it's FRAM modded, so the saves don't die. That said, I want to put a battery in anyway for the sake of the system settings, which don't save under FRAM.

 

[Eclipse14]

The Saturn is such an awesome system. I've had a North American Model 2 for a while, and despite having only a few games for it (in part because my luck hunting Saturn stuff is terrible), I do still enjoy it. I gotta get back to hunting games for it down, though.

 

[bjork]

I'm not sure where you're at OP, but do you have to use a stepdown thing for the power cable? I don't know if that would cause issues with the CD drive but I suppose it's possible? I only had import PS2s but always used one because people said it was a way to avoid frying an entire system.

 

[toadscream]

The only problem here is I'm not seeing a copy of Mr. Bones.

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

I'm not sure where you're at OP, but do you have to use a stepdown thing for the power cable? I don't know if that would cause issues with the CD drive but I suppose it's possible? I only had import PS2s but always used one because people said it was a way to avoid frying an entire system.

I should really get that…
My N64 is JP and so is my PSP, neither of which have given me trouble. That said, better safe than sorry for this. Many people online don’t use a step down, so I didn’t adopt the extra cost since I didn’t think it was necessary.

Post automatically merged: Feb 21, 2025

The only problem here is I'm not seeing a copy of Mr. Bones.

Maybe someday! I want to try out the library as much as possible, and that game IS one that is system exclusive, so I might go for it.

Post automatically merged: Feb 21, 2025

Here’s a video I took to show off the system!

Post automatically merged: Feb 22, 2025

When I get off of work, I’ll record and show more stuff about my particular console.

 

[bjork]

I should really get that…
My N64 is JP and so is my PSP, neither of which have given me trouble. That said, better safe than sorry for this. Many people online don’t use a step down, so I didn’t adopt the extra cost since I didn’t think it was necessary.

I'm not sure if it is 100% required, just remembered it from my own experience and wanted to throw it out there. Maybe others here are more familiar than either of us, heh.

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

I promised that when I got home from work I would post a photo of me playing Nights tonight. And yeah, yeah I did. It’s still a super fun game that is very worth it. The TV I’m using at the place I’m staying over this weekend is not the best, and it’s very blue, but it kinda looks magical in this photo. What do you guys think?

 

[bjork]

Seeing Soft Museum on a demo unit in 1996 is what made me want a Saturn, and getting to the part with the mirrored background always immediately takes me back. I also really like how, but don't know what triggers it, the music changes as you play the game more.

 

[PrismRed]

That's awesome man! I'm not the one getting the new Saturn here but I'm excited as fuck seeing your post, have fun with it!
Take note whenever you replace the battery, always check it out maybe around once every 6 months, just to make sure it's not leaking or something.

 

[werewolfgimmick]

Congratulations man. Hope you have fun with it.
I also got a japanese Saturn model 2 recently, it arrived just yesterday in fact. I got it for relatively cheap on zenmarket, about 50 thousand argentine pesos (around 50 dollars), with 100 thousand more on shipping and taxes. It sounds like a lot, and it is, but consider the cheapest you could find in Argentina is 300 thousand, so in the end i was happy with the purchase. It took 2 whole months to get here tho (gracias correo argentino -_-)
Thankfully it works pretty much perfectly, except for the fact it doesnt have a battery which i dont mind that much since you can save your games with a cart. I was very worried it wouldnt even turn on given it's used status and the low price.
I'm not really interested in collecting physical games, so instead i got myself a Fenrir Duo Optical Drive Emulator. I could have gotten the cheaper cart Saroo, but i've heard horror stories about compatibility issues and i wanted to make sure my money was well spent. The Fenrir was a bit annoying to install but it was very much worth it.

Now i only need a 4 in 1 cart so i can save games and make use of the extra ram and i will be pretty much set.
I've got a loooong list of games to dive into and i couldn't be more happy and excited.

 

[Don Patch]

That.
Is.
SO.
COOOLLL!!!!!!!!

Getting games is gonna be a pain, yeah.
But if discs are the goal, and the game is, I'd gettcha a terra onion MODE or the Fenrir and have a ball

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

That.
Is.
SO.
COOOLLL!!!!!!!!

Getting games is gonna be a pain, yeah.
But if discs are the goal, and the game is, I'd gettcha a terra onion MODE or the Fenrir and have a ball

Sorry to all those who want me to get an ODE of some kind, but I’ll opt for Pseudo Saturn. I want to collect just as much as I want to play! Still, I understand that the Saturn SUCKS to collect for thanks to high costs, so I’d be a fool to not pursue an option that allows me to play games that would otherwise be lost to me.

Also, an option that allows me to play translated stuff on the Repo! Shoutouts to all the cool folks making stuff like that possible!

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

HOLY CRAP!!! I JUST BEAT VIRTUA FIGHTER 2’S EXPERT MODE! EVEN BEAT DURAL! GOOD SWEET MERCIFUL GOD, THAT WAS SO HARD!

Post automatically merged: Feb 26, 2025

Had to play with the boi Jacky. I want to learn Lau and Jeffrey but that’s for a later date. Jacky is the character I had experience with (from the Genesis port lmao) and I poured TIME into this game to get this accomplishment!

Post automatically merged: Feb 26, 2025

Overall, I actually found “Expert” mode easier than a normal arcade run. That’s because the AI LOVES to block your moves. So, general strategy was to keep up the offensive to push them to ring outs. I also made clever use of Jacky’s running grab and normal grabs to cause damage when needed. That said, tons of enemies gave me pain.

LION CAN EAT A TURD AND DIE! He ducks under my attacks for the most part and can always follow up with 70 percent. At least when I’m facing Jeffrey, I EXPECT him to delete my life in two attacks. Kage also gave me a fair bit of trouble! He would constantly get me to the floor and then pile on the damage.

Akira was the most fun roster member to fight, because he blocked less. I felt like I was truly challenging him! I love the fencing-like gameplay of VF2 at a normal level, where you’re constantly playing footsies, attacking and then retreating. That victory was so sweet when it was done, because I was pixel health but was able to land Jacky’s overhead punch on Amira as he was getting up from a throw!

And then Dural… sucks, but everybody knows that. The battle being underwater is not fun. At all. But at least it’s over.

Fun game! Certified dope!

Post automatically merged: Feb 27, 2025

Today I have money and a choice.
Panzer Dragoon for $110
Or
Astal for $95.

Both are English copies. Which one should I go for and which one should I try to get the JP copy for?

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

Yesterday, I made my first BIG Saturn purchase (aside from the console, of course). I got the U.S. release of Astal! Fun game so far, although I’ve only played two levels of it.

Yes, the spine has no end label. WHY?!

Post automatically merged: Feb 28, 2025

I recorded a video of me playing the game! Go watch it!

Post automatically merged: Feb 28, 2025

Sorry for the component video footage! I would love to upgrade to RGB, but buying games takes precedence.

Post automatically merged: Feb 28, 2025

Just found Daytona at a local used game shop!

Post automatically merged: Feb 28, 2025

Joe mama.

Post automatically merged: Feb 28, 2025

Put in some fresh CR 2032 Batteries in there, the memory for save files is internal and a fresh set of batteries should last 3-4 years ^_^
That will save you some frustration.

After that maybe look into Psudo Saturn Kai so you can easily read burnt discs and enjoy all the fan translations!

I’m finally getting around to putting some batts in there!

Post automatically merged: Mar 1, 2025

Played a whole bunch of Daytona USA tonight. It’s visually rough, yeah, but it’s still my beloved Daytona. It’s actually more accurate in some respects to the PS3 version, if you can believe it! PS3 is missing some sounds, particularly from the announcer, that this version has. I honestly feel more like with this that I have the arcade game that made me love arcades at my home!

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

Several weeks in and I think I can safely say that I MUCH prefer the Saturn to the Dreamcast. Dreamcast is still INCREDIBLE and very cool as a system! It’s much more quirky, I think, and that helps it out a lot. But… I’ve had a better time with Saturn. It’s more reliable, feels solid in all aspects, and has a lot more discovery than Dreamcast does due to a larger library.

Both systems are good, but I’m adoring the Saturn as a console I love. I’ve finally picked up SEGA Rally and it’s been amazing. My current library is NiGHTS into Dreams, Virtua Fighter 2, Fighters Megamix on JP side, and Astal, Virtua Racing, Daytona USA, and SEGA Rally on the U.S. side.

Post automatically merged: Mar 17, 2025

Oh, and for the record, I think I want to go for a complete set of the SEGA racing games on Saturn for the U.S.

Not the netlink Daytona because that would mean mortgaging a house some time in my future. I’m missing SEGA Touring Car and Daytona Circuit Edition. Any others I’m missing?

 

[TheSoulWalker TheSoulWalker]

Save up some money and buy yourself an action replay and satiator. This ODE and Ram Setup will fit your stuff perfectly, and it's non-invasive! They are plug and play addons.

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

Save up some money and buy yourself an action replay and satiator. This ODE and Ram Setup will fit your stuff perfectly, and it's non-invasive! They are plug and play addons.

I've got an action replay, but I intend to go for Pseudo Saturn Kai. I know it's my own funeral, but if I wanted to play any game ever I would just use an emulator (which are actually plenty good now, so don't be fooled by people still saying they're not!)

I like to collect. I like the thrill of the hunt. I like having MY collection. That said, while it's certainly a poor choice on my wallet anyway, there are some games I know I'll get reproductions for. My max for one Saturn game is around $350. I would be willing to save up and put the time in to be patient to get a copy of Dragon Force.

Again, I know it is silly. Lord knows, I am aware of that. And, for all my emu talk, I should set one up for myself to make sure I can try before I buy. But, that's how I want to use my Saturn. I'll be patient, dedicated, and build a small collection for myself that I can call my own. And that alone will be more than enough :)

 

[SpcDaicon]

Console with powerfull aura.
SEGA SATURN! SHIRO!

Man, I never really gave much attention to the Saturn but since getting into retrogaming I'm seeing the error of my ways.

Unfortunetly for me importing hardware is prohibitly expensive (also Customs would screw me over) so getting one is nigh impossible.

Still, I'm planning on diving in to the Saturn habbit hole via emulation.

 

[LaserMoose]

Mega Man 8 on Saturn has various additions that make it the definitive version of the game, like adding in two additional bosses (Cut Man and Wood Man), so if you like Mega Man I recommend it. I'm unsure of the price, but hopefully the game doesn't cost an arm and a leg. It may make for a nice platformer companion to Astal.

I love the Saturn's controller; it's great for both fighters and more general titles. Only thing it's missing is an analog stick, but that hasn't bothered me too much while playing it.

Glad you're enjoying the system!

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

Console with powerfull aura.
SEGA SATURN! SHIRO!

View attachment 44638

Man, I never really gave much attention to the Saturn but since getting into retrogaming I'm seeing the error of my ways.

Unfortunetly for me importing hardware is prohibitly expensive (also Customs would screw me over) so getting one is nigh impossible.

Still, I'm planning on diving in to the Saturn habbit hole via emulation.

Do so! If you're looking for recommendations, I recommend Astal for 2D and Fighters Megamix for 3D! I'm also interested in both Dragon Force and Magic Knight Rayearth, so try those out and tell me how they are!

Post automatically merged: Mar 19, 2025

Mega Man 8 on Saturn has various additions that make it the definitive version of the game, like adding in two additional bosses (Cut Man and Wood Man), so if you like Mega Man I recommend it. I'm unsure of the price, but hopefully the game doesn't cost an arm and a leg. It may make for a nice platformer companion to Astal.

I love the Saturn's controller; it's great for both fighters and more general titles. Only thing it's missing is an analog stick, but that hasn't bothered me too much while playing it.

Glad you're enjoying the system!

I'm so sorry Laser Moose....

Mega Man 8 is mad expensive. Trust me, I've checked.
But, one day, I'll get a JP copy. I have US PS1 copy in the meantime, but I've wanted the Japanese version for years for one reason...

ELECTRICAL COMMUNICATION~

 

[LaserMoose]

I'm so sorry Laser Moose....

Mega Man 8 is mad expensive. Trust me, I've checked.
But, one day, I'll get a JP copy. I have US PS1 copy in the meantime, but I've wanted the Japanese version for years for one reason...

ELECTRICAL COMMUNICATION~

Ah, that's unfortunate to hear

Alas, the Saturn is indeed very difficult to buy for. There are quite a large number of retro stores near me that I've never seen have any Saturn games in stock. It's a system that I'm glad I purchased a fenrir for; that being said, collecting is fun in its own right, though! It's always nice seeing the Saturn get more appreciation!

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

Ah, that's unfortunate to hear

Alas, the Saturn is indeed very difficult to buy for. There are quite a large number of retro stores near me that I've never seen have any Saturn games in stock. It's a system that I'm glad I purchased a fenrir for; that being said, collecting is fun in its own right, though! It's always nice seeing the Saturn get more appreciation!

I'm very lucky. Most retro game stores have no Saturn here in the west. I got plopped with a store nearby enough that I can just casually go and buy US Saturn stuff. That's probably the thing feeding the addiction the most.

Changes a man to be able to say "I can go buy Last Bronx today! :)"

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

I made a purchase last week to bring over several new imported games for my Saturn. Sonic Jam and Sonic R are both included in the package! As is the much talked about fighting game: Last Bronx. But, my biggest score of the Saturn yet came in the form of finding somebody selling Saturn Bomberman and Saturn Bomberman Fight!!! together for only $12 USD. That’s an amazing find! I promise to treat all these games with care and thank the original owners if I can! I want to give these games a good home.